Curia’s Post

Fragomen’s UK Government Affairs Strategy team, led by Louise Haycock and Shuyeb Muquit, was delighted to host the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, the Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Deputy Foreign Secretary, for an informative discussion on key business immigration topics. The Minister shared his thoughts and outlook, highlighting in particular the importance of global and institutional cooperation to address various issues related to migration. Fragomen believes in the critical importance of enabling the access of business to government and policymakers to not only understand the direction of policy, but contribute to and impact it. #UKMigration #ImmigrationPolicy #MigrationPolicy #UK #ImmigrationServices #London

The Labour Party new foreign policy approach goes from “progressive realism” to “regressive complicity.” “Good morning. A few months before the election, David Lammy outlined his vision for Britain’s role on the international stage under a Labour government: “progressive realism”, or “the pursuit of ideals without delusions about what is achievable”. Just over a week into his tenure as foreign secretary, we have our first concrete indications of how he intends to operate those principles in practice. On a visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories over the last couple of days, his first international trip as foreign secretary, Lammy says he is sending a clear message: “We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, unfettered access to aid in Gaza and a pathway towards a two-state solution”. But the image of the new foreign secretary shaking Benjamin Netanyahu’s hand in the aftermath of two attacks on the Gaza Strip that killed at least 120 people – many of them civilians taking refuge in a camp for displaced people – has caused considerable anger. The question that follows: is Lammy taking a risk with the left in order to better promote a peaceful resolution? Or is his supposed break with the Conservatives’ foreign policy more a matter of rhetoric than action? Today’s newsletter, with Olivia O’Sullivan, director of the UK in the World Programme at Chatham House, explains what we already know about Lammy’s approach to the conflict in Gaza, and what is still to be revealed.” House of Commons UK House of Lords #UK #PM Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

A far-right coalition has been formed and as a #Visionist I can say with certainty: be prepared for "CITY CLANS ™️". The Netherlands will change forever and will no longer regain its former glory. Some characteristics of far-right coalitions may include: 1. Nationalist and anti-immigration views 2. Authoritarian and populist leadership style 3. Emphasis on traditional norms and values 4. Strong focus on safety and law-and-order policy 5. Often anti-establishment rhetoric and anti-globalization positions 6. Restrictions on freedoms and rights of minorities 7. Emphasis on cultural and ethnic homogeneity in society. In addition to the characteristics mentioned, far-right coalitions can also strive for a closed border policy, in which immigration is severely limited or even banned. They can also promote nationalist economic policies such as protectionism and boosting domestic production and employment. Far-right coalitions can also exhibit authoritarian tendencies, with a strong emphasis on law and order and increased control over the population. This can manifest itself in restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of the press and other civil rights. In addition, far-right coalitions can often have a hostile attitude towards international cooperation and organizations, and strive for a more isolationist foreign policy. It is important to note that these characteristics do not always occur to the same extent and that the specific policies and positions of far-right coalitions may vary depending on the specific context and political circumstances. CityClans®️ CityClans©️ CityClans ™️ The Visionist 💭 #City #Clans #Netherlands 🇳🇱 #Europe #Europa #Avrupa 🇪🇺

🌏 In today's Australian Outlook, is the European Union overlooking fundamental rights in its Rule of Law Report? As the European Commission’s next Rule of Law Report approaches, Dr Ruji Auethavornpipato of La Trobe University raises critical concerns. Despite assessing key pillars like justice systems, anti-corruption, media freedom, and institutional checks, recent RoL reports have notably lacked a focused evaluation of fundamental rights protections, especially for migrants. Dr Auethavornpipato argues that "overlooking the treatment of migrants will make Europe a graveyard not only for migrants but also for the EU’s values." 🔍 Read more about how the EU can strengthen its commitment to democracy and the rule of law by addressing these critical gaps. Read the full editorial on the Australian Outlook https://lnkd.in/gB45qfUa.

This week may mark a pivotal moment in post-Brexit relations, as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, making his first visit to Brussels as Prime Minister, prepares to engage in high-stakes talks with European Union leaders. The central aim of Starmer’s visit is to negotiate a new post-Brexit deal that promises a “reset” in the strained relationship between the UK and the EU. However, this diplomatic mission comes with significant challenges. Brussels, in exchange for enhanced cooperation, is expected to demand concessions from the UK on key issues like migration, fishing, and youth mobility. Starmer’s decision to initiate these talks signals a shift in approach from his predecessor. Where Boris Johnson championed a hard Brexit, emphasising complete sovereignty, Starmer’s vision appears more pragmatic. He seeks to restore some of the economic and political ties that were weakened by the UK’s departure from the EU. But in order to achieve this reset, Starmer must walk a tightrope, balancing domestic political expectations with the demands of Brussels. #EUToday #KeirStarmer #Brussels

The government will soon be facing its first major foreign policy challenge. In taking a decision to oppose the roll over (extension) of the UNHRC Resolution 51/1 of October 2022, the government is going to stick to the policies of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government rather than to innovate. In it, the UNHRC decided, among other matters, to extend and reinforce the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to collect and preserve evidence of gross human rights violations. This time around, however, the situation can be different and the Sri Lankan government may still respond differently. For the first time since the UNHRC resolutions on Sri Lanka made their appearance starting in 2009, Sri Lanka has a government in which none of its members can be accused of having participated in the excesses committed during the course of the war. Instead of continuing on the confrontational path taken by the two previous governments, an option for the new government would be to take the position, if not now then at subsequent sessions of the UNHRC which meets three times each year, that it needs time to study the provisions in the resolution, ascertain the present state of implementation and what it can implement in the next year. As in the case of the IMF agreement, where it has struck a pragmatic note the Dissanayake government can take the position that it will propose amendments to the resolution at the next or subsequent sessions of the UNHRC. The ideal would be a resolution both Sri Lanka and the UNHRC can agree to. There is significant goodwill towards Sri Lanka within the UN system which has been heightened by the peaceful transition of power that has taken place in the aftermath of the presidential election. https://lnkd.in/eEUNQK_q

A “three pillar” strategy for the reset of EU-UK relatinship: defence and security; safety, including immigration and tackling crime; and trade. https://lnkd.in/eaE6pzsW #brexit #EU #UK

AU’s role needs to be more precisely defined. It will help to strategize ways forward as an union but with tailored agenda per nation members. Identify alignments for strengthening and sharing economy. Discern divergences to recognize unique needs and not trying to be one for all because it’s not possible nor lending meaningful impact. Facilitate the structuring of macro-environments to facilitate contienentql trades should be AU’s priority by harmonizing cross-border trade policy and rules. Toward external stakeholders like the EU and G7, the AU members should have a common reference point in negotiations. Better yet, it’s time for AU to set standards for trading partners to follow because after all, being the gate keeper should be one of #AU / #PAP continental functions. #Africa #AfCFTA

🇨🇭 🇪🇺 Switzerland and EU finally agree on future bilateral relations! 🇪🇺 🇨🇭 🤯 It has only taken 197 meeting; however, the Switzerland and the EU have agreed on all areas. The formal signature is due to be concluded in spring 2025 with the Swiss government to have it's say in 2026. Part of the deal will include a contribution of CHF 130 million per year to the EU cohesion fund by the Swiss government, whilst the Swiss benefit from maintaining their immigration rules, geared towards the needs of the economy and also allowing the Swiss access to all calls for tender under the EU's Horizon Europe, Euratom and Digital Europe programmes. #EU #Europe #Swiss #Switzerland #Politics #CH #DACH

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recently decided the case of Sherov and Others v. Poland. The case concerned four Tajik nationals being repeatedly denied entry at a Polish-Ukrainian border crossing, despite asserting their need for asylum due to political persecution in Tajikistan. Each refusal was documented by border guards in a summary note that the applicants neither read nor signed, and they were sent back to Ukraine — a country they claimed was unsafe due to the risk of deportation to Tajikistan. The ECHR determined that the Polish authorities had not adequately initiated procedures for considering the applicants' asylum applications nor assessed whether Ukraine was a safe third country. This oversight led to a procedural violation of Article 3, as the applicants were at risk of chain refoulement and ill-treatment. The Court also ruled that the Polish policy of not accepting asylum applications at the border and sending applicants back to Ukraine amounted to collective expulsion, in violation of Article 4 of Protocol No. 4. The ECHR further criticized the lack of an effective remedy with automatic suspensive effect, which would have allowed the applicants to stay in Poland while their appeals were being processed, in breach of article 13 of the Convention (right to an effective remedy). * This and other recent international rulings are summarized in the Facts and Norms Newsletter. Subscribe FOR FREE at https://lnkd.in/dPPtiXe9